Bourse ends on mixed note

The Colombo stock market yesterday ended on a mixed note as the ASPI decreased by 0.05% to close at 6,059.09 points while the S&P SL20 Index increased by 0.27% to close at 2,953.10.

Turnover was down by 6.5% relative to Tuesday to amount to Rs. 224 million with Access Engineering accounting for 17.2% of the day’s total.

Acuity Stockbrokers said foreign Investors recorded a net outflow of Rs. 45.78 million compared to a net outflow of Rs 36.05 million recorded on Tuesday.

NDB Equities said the ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Lion Brewery, Dialog Axiata and LOLC Development Finance.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Access Engineering, Softlogic Holdings and Cargills. Mixed interest was observed in Tokyo Cement Company and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Access Engineering.

Manufacturing sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Tokyo Cement Company) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.10%. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company recorded a loss of Rs 0.50 (1.07%) to close at Rs 46.30.

Beverage, Food and Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Cargills) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.54%. The share price of Cargills closed flat at Rs 194.00.

Access Engineering, Softlogic Holdings and Sampath Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. 

The share price of Access Engineering increased by Rs 0.40 (1.86%) closing at Rs 21.90 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 1,532,051 shares. The share price of Softlogic Holdings gained Rs 0.60 (3.87%) to close at Rs 16.10. The share price of Sampath Bank appreciated by Rs 1.00 (0.60%) to close at Rs 168.00.